Why stop if it helps?

Your questions is a valid one as well as something that I use to always ask when dealing with my personal struggles. It is important to find healthy ways to cope and deal with things so that no harm comes to ourselves or others. Unhealthy habits should be prevented and stopped because after so long you become almost dependent on this developed habit; and in the moment it can be hard to see that what is being done is harmful and it may not be entirely helping with things. The relief is short lived, and this prevents you from finding better ways of coping, this habit can become addictive, and not letting go of this puts you at risk for bigger problems down the line.

Not all coping skills are positive. You would argue that someone with anorexia says I do feel in control when I don't eat, but that is not healthy. Someone who cuts says it is a release, but self mutation is not healthy.

Sweetie, it doesn't really help. You only think it does. I promise you it is so much better once you recover. It does take take some time and effort, but you can do it. I used to think that it helped me, too. But it didn't. It made everything 1000x worse. I did it. I got better. So can you.

Let me answer your question, with a question. If the relief is only temporary, why not find a healthier long term solution?

Ask yourself if it's really helping or if it's going to do harm in the long term future. If you can't come up with a good answer, you should probably stop.

Is this a drug or cutting question? Stop because it's dangerous and damaging. We have to look at what is truly "helping". quote on quote helping in one area yet killing us or damaging other things isn't exactly helping.

because it can harm you and others. think about the consequences. there must be something, even if just one. think about it.

because it is not good for you. it is not good for your mental and physical health. you have to stop, whatever the bad thing you do for yourself.

Because it doesn't help. Your mind just tricked you into thinking it does. But it really doesnt. Sometimes we think it does but then we realize it doesnt.

All these answers are valid and positive reasons to stop participating in self-harm. However, after I stopped cutting, I realized the most gratifying and relieving benefit was the fact that it really, dramatically decreased my depression and loneliness. It seems counterintuitive to a cutter or self harmer because of the deep satisfaction and comfort that these forms of destruction provide. However, having such a big secret for me to hide and constantly being reminded of my unhappiness by the cuts, created in me a greater and almost insurmountable despair. Just a week or two after cutting, I felt immediately happier and more at peace. Granted, the months that followed were tougher, but I pushed through it. And, today I'm a much happier person.

It does not help whatsoever. It triggers your brain into believing it helps, but it does not. Self-harming can actually increase anxiety levels, insecurity, and depression.

you've to think about other things, like does it harm you but at the same time helps? that's not helpful this is trying to distract yourself which isn't helpful so it's not just about it helps.

If it is harmful to your body, you should stop, even if it provides comfort. Because in the long run, you can seriously hurt your body permanently.

Drugs ''helped'' me with sorrow but they were really just killing me more than sorrow ever could it was never worth it

Because sometimes what helps right now, is not a long term solution. Cuts and bruises heal, but the marks it leaves on your mind will never. It is not an option, and it is not worth risking your life for. There are many other ways t cope.

It may help now, but in the long run you will be unhappy and regretful. Try instead to replace bad habits with healthy ones, and you will achieve long term happiness.

I have often asked myself the same question.... but my family always tell me if i went that bit too deep or anything it could kill me. They get concerned. I dont know what support you have but you have me

Because not everything you want or desire actually helps. And somethings only help sometimes. A medication only helps if prescribed by a doctor. And self harm never helps. I know from experience. Get better soon. I believe in you.

Many techniques we use to feel better or offer ourselves relief can be identified as "negitive coping skills." Something may give you a temporary "high", but if it has the potential to harm you/others, or does harm to you, these negative coping strategies can create more harm than good. You can learn to identify and stop a negitive technique before it settles in, or end any current negitive coping skill when it is dealt with by hard work, a strong will, and persistency. With time, support, and the use of positive coping skills, there is no end to what you can accomplish.

It depends on what you are using that is helping you. Many thinks can help but can also be harmful or addictive like drugs, alcohol or self-harming. If something helps that does not cause dependence or addiction or physical/mental pain or damage then it’s helpful in a positive way.